Context
With reference to recent developments, the digital space we rely on is increasingly being polluted by misinformation, manipulation, and hidden agendas. Misleading content on social media is not just creating confusion—it is eroding trust, dividing society, and posing a serious threat to national integrity.

Emerging patterns suggest that algorithms and coordinated networks are being used to influence public opinion, at times serving vested interests beyond our borders. When truth is distorted, the impact is not limited to screens—it affects real lives, real communities, and the future of our nation.

A clean web is essential for a safe society. Safeguarding cyberspace means safeguarding our future. Just as we act against environmental pollution to protect our planet, we must act with equal urgency to combat digital pollution and preserve truth, trust, and unity.

In view of the growing threat to society and national integrity, this petition is respectfully submitted to:

Honourable Shri Narendra Modi Ji
Prime Minister of India

Through:

Honourable Shri Amit Shah Ji
Minister of Home Affairs

Honourable Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji
Minister of Electronics and Information Technology

Subject:
Petition Seeking Stronger Regulation, Transparency, Accountability, and National Security Oversight of Social Media Platforms Operating in India

Respected Sirs,

We, the undersigned citizens of India, respectfully submit this public petition seeking stronger regulation, transparency, accountability, and national security oversight of social media and social networking platforms operating in India.

In recent times, there has been growing concern about the influence of misinformation, half-truths, manipulated content, fake news, and coordinated disinformation campaigns on public discourse, online movements, and social behaviour. While social media platforms have become essential tools for communication, education, commerce, and democratic participation, their misuse poses serious risks.

The unprecedented reach and speed of these platforms enable the rapid spread of misleading information, deepfakes, anonymous propaganda, and algorithm-driven amplification of false or inflammatory content. Such misuse can mislead citizens, damage reputations, create unrest, undermine democratic institutions, and threaten public order, social harmony, and national unity.

There is also increasing concern that hostile foreign actors or anti-national elements may exploit these platforms to influence public opinion, spread disinformation, incite unrest, deepen divisions, or interfere in matters affecting India’s sovereignty, security, and democratic institutions. While any such activities must be examined based on credible evidence and due process, the potential risks call for strong safeguards.

While the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression, these freedoms are subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2). The deliberate spread of false, manipulated, or unlawful content must not be allowed to endanger public order, national security, or democratic integrity.

In view of the above, we respectfully request the Government of India to consider the following measures:

1. Strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing social media platforms in India.
2. Ensure greater transparency in content moderation policies, recommendation algorithms, and political or issue-based advertising.
3. Require timely action against clearly false, manipulated, or unlawful content in accordance with Indian law and due process.
4. Establish an independent, transparent, and accessible grievance redressal mechanism for citizens.
5. Strengthen detection and prevention of fake accounts, bot networks, deepfakes, and coordinated misinformation campaigns.
6. Enhance coordination between platforms and Indian authorities to address foreign influence operations, while ensuring due process.
7. Consider secure and privacy-protected identity verification mechanisms with necessary safeguards.
8. Require platforms to display overall country-wise distribution of followers or engagement without compromising privacy.
9. Mandate clear labeling of state-affiliated media, bots, AI-generated or manipulated content, and paid promotions.
10. Promote nationwide digital literacy to help citizens identify misinformation and use platforms responsibly.
11. Prescribe effective penalties for repeated non-compliance with Indian laws, subject to due process.
12. Ensure that all regulatory measures protect constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, privacy, and due process.
13. Require platforms to clearly inform users—during account creation and before posting—about their responsibility for content, in their preferred language.
14. Require platforms to encourage users to verify information before sharing and to provide easy access to fact-checking tools and grievance redressal mechanisms.

We also request the Government to consider establishing a dedicated Ministry or an independent authority to oversee, regulate, and continuously monitor the digital and social media ecosystem. Such a body can ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical governance, while also coordinating efforts to monitor harmful activities emerging from the dark web and other anonymous networks that may threaten national security and public well-being.

This petition does not seek to suppress legitimate criticism, peaceful protest, or lawful dissent.

Rather, it aims to ensure that public discourse remains responsible and informed, that digital platforms function with accountability, and that India’s democratic institutions, social harmony, and national security are protected from misuse.

We therefore earnestly request the Government of India to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing framework governing social media platforms and introduce appropriate legislative, regulatory, and technological measures after due consultation with stakeholders.

We trust that necessary action will be taken in the interest of democracy, national security, public order, and the welfare of the people of India. 

Jai Hind.